As usual, this season's finale of "The Vampire Diaries" will end on a traumatic cliffhanger. Star Joseph Morgan teases that "The last twenty seconds of the episode will leave people with their hearts in their mouths," so it's good to know in advance that the show will be back in the fall. "90210" will also have a twisty season finale, with a return appearance by Teddy (Trevor Donovan) setting a surprising new storyline in motion.

Notably absent from the list of pickups are fellow veteran series "Gossip Girl" and "Nikita." It's expected that "Gossip Girl" will be renewed for a short, 13-episode final season this fall, though no official announcement has been made. "Nikita" is one of the network's most underrated shows, and though it's beloved by critics, it has yet to find ratings success.

The CW is expected to announce the rest of its 2012-2013 renewals before May 17, when they'll present their upcoming programming to advertisers at the New York City upfront.